Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass Explore the struggle for disability rights in the United States, including the introduction of laws and regulations to provide educational services for all students, as well as the recent push in disability rights activism. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on […]
基本权利:过渡规划 日期:2026年4月27日 时间:下午6:30点 内容简介:针对14至22岁学生的过渡规划流程概述。我们将探讨获得过渡服务的法定权利、过渡规划的重要性、其在个人化教育计划(IEP)中的具体体现,以及学生与家长的职责分工。 所有会议链接将在研讨会前通过Zoom发送。讲义将于演讲当天发送给参会者。 Basic Rights: Transition Planning Date: 4/27/2026 Time: 6 :30PM Description: Overview of the transition planning process for students aged 14-22. We’ll discuss the legal right to transition services, why transition planning is important, what it looks like in the IEP, and the roles of students and parents. All meetings links […]
Autism Housing Pathways/FCSN Join us for our monthly Family Action Meetups (FAMS), hosted by Autism Housing Pathways (AHP), now proudly part of The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN). For more details about AHP joining FCSN, see FCSN announcement. Each monthly meeting comprises: A 15 minute overview of housing for people with developmental disabilities […]
Massachusetts Family Engagement Framework Series This professional development series introduces educators and school staff to the Massachusetts Family Engagement Framework and prepares them to actively implement it within their schools and districts. The primary goals of this training are twofold: 1. To build a strong understanding of the Family Engagement Framework—including its guiding principles, core […]
Become a Special Education Decision-Maker for a Child in State Custody Volunteers, known as Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), serve as appointed educational special decision-makers for students in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). SESP volunteers have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend special education team meetings, […]
FCSN’s “I've Been There” Series for 14-26 year olds Real 1-hour conversations about the transition to adult life Life after high school can be confusing — jobs, independence, education, friendships, support. I've Been There is a free virtual series where two young adults with disabilities share their real stories about making the transition to adult […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass A comprehensive overview of special education laws and procedures. Covers the special education process, including referrals, evaluations, eligibility, services, placement, and parents’ rights in dispute resolution. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation.
Organizador: Waystone Health and Human Services Organizing the IEP folder helps keep all important documents in one place. It makes it easier to understand the information, prepare for meetings, and track the student’s progress. It also serves as legal evidence. To stay organized, it is helpful to categorize documents, keep them updated, and save important […]
This Spring, The Department and The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) are sponsoring three new virtual webinars on key themes in special education related to our annual State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR). On Wednesday, April 29th the subject will be Educational Environments in Massachusetts: What does it mean for a […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass Overview of the transition planning process for students aged 14-22. We’ll discuss the legal right to transition services, why transition planning is important, what it looks like in the IEP, and the roles of students and parents. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent […]
Become a Special Education Decision-Maker for a Child in State Custody Volunteers, known as Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), serve as appointed educational special decision-makers for students in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). SESP volunteers have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend special education team meetings, […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass A comprehensive overview of special education laws and procedures. Covers the special education process, including referrals, evaluations, eligibility, services, placement, and parents’ rights in dispute resolution. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation.
Host: Prospect Hill Academy Charter School Provides information about why the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is important, how it is developed, and the different sections of the document. Further discussion will focus on what types of services are included and measurable goals. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be […]
Join us on the first Tuesday of each month from 6-7 to hear from experts on different parts of the transition process! Throughout this series we will discuss topics like employment, independent living, social opportunities, benefits, and more.
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass Overview of the transition planning process for students aged 14-22. We’ll discuss the legal right to transition services, why transition planning is important, what it looks like in the IEP, and the roles of students and parents. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent […]
Understanding the IEP (Haitian Creole) - May 6 | 6:30 PM Konprann IEP la (Kreyòl Ayisyen) - 6 Me | 6:30 PM Provides information about why the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is important, how it is developed, and the different sections of the document. Further discussion will focus on what types of services are included […]
Connecting Families Series – May Conectando famílias Conectando famílias 连接家庭 Konekte Fanmi yo Kết nối gia đình 가족 연결This event will be hosted with access to interpretation and transcription in 50+ languages. Accessing Interpretation Presenter: Debi Arsenault, Author Join Debi Arsenault, author of “The Magic of the Man with […]
Student Participation (Vietnamese) - May 7 | 10 AM Sự tham gia của học sinh (tiếng Việt) - 7 tháng 5 | 10:00 This workshop helps students and families build confidence and skills to participate in team meetings, share their voices, and feel included. Hội thảo này giúp học sinh và gia đình xây dựng sự […]
RTSC's SESP Coffee And Connections Are you an SESP with active appointments? Come to our SESP group support sessions on Zoom! This will be an open zoom meeting format with RTSC support staff facilitating conversations around general questions that are common among SESPs. For questions, contact us at rtsc@fcsn.org or (617) 399-8342.
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass Provides information about why the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is important, how it is developed, and the different sections of the document. Further discussion will focus on what types of services are included and measurable goals. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to […]
Guides parents of children with special needs in building organizational skills using their strengths. Participants create a binder space with supplies and ideas to organize medical and educational records, while also exploring digital record-keeping and emergency preparedness. For more details on the P2P program, Please visit the P2P of MA webpage.
Home Care AFC/FCSN Join us for a presentation by Home Care Adult Foster Care on May 11th 2026 at 6:30pm Caring for a loved one with disabilities or complex needs can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly challenging. This session introduces the Adult Family Care (AFC) program—a MassHealth benefit designed to support families who are […]
Join us for Positive Solutions for Families, a seven-session virtual training designed for families of preschool-aged children. This interactive series provides practical strategies to support children’s social-emotional development and strengthen positive parenting practices. Through engaging activities, discussion, and real-life examples, families will explore ways to: promote positive behavior and emotional development; strengthen parent-child relationships; respond […]
This training will offer a systematic approach to looking at Developmental Childhood Trauma as it impacts our students experiencing the Child Welfare System. This interactive training will study trauma’s effects on the academic and social/emotional learning of a student and the impact on their IEP. This training is recommended for all SESPs. For questions, contact […]
Host: North Berkshire Union School A comprehensive overview of special education laws and procedures. Covers the special education process, including referrals, evaluations, eligibility, services, placement, and parents’ rights in dispute resolution. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation.
A monthly Zoom for young adults, by young adults Connecting YOU(th) is a monthly get-together for teens and young adults with disabilities. Every second Tuesday of the month, we have a topic for discussion, and we're always changing and growing in response to what participants want to happen next. Join us every 2nd Tuesday of the […]
Become a Special Education Decision-Maker for a Child in State Custody Volunteers, known as Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), serve as appointed educational special decision-makers for students in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). SESP volunteers have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend special education team meetings, […]
Discipline & Suspension (Chinese) - May 12 | 6:30 PM 纪律处分与停学(中文)——5月12日 | 下午6:30 This workshop covers student and parent rights in school discipline. We’ll discuss types of suspension and protections for students with disabilities. 本次工作坊将介绍学生和家长在学校纪律方面的权利。我们将讨论不同类型的停学,以及对残疾学生的相关保障措施。 All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Chapter 688 documents a referral for students with disabilities to appropriate adult service agencies. A referral sets in motion a 2-year planning process for students whose entitlement to special education services will end when they graduate from school or turn age 22. Zoom will confirm your registration by email which will include […]
RTSC's SESP Coffee And Connections Are you an SESP with active appointments? Come to our SESP group support sessions on Zoom! This will be an open zoom meeting format with RTSC support staff facilitating conversations around general questions that are common among SESPs. For questions, contact us at rtsc@fcsn.org or (617) 399-8342.
Join Us to Become a Volunteer Support Parent! Our Parent to Parent of Massachusetts program (P2P) builds a bridge of connection between parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and complex medical needs who would like to talk with someone who understands their situation. We are actively recruiting new volunteers who wish to join our […]
Networking Series – May Join us for the May Networking: Finish the Year Strong—Together As the school year wraps up, students benefit most from clear guidance, strong self-advocacy skills, and supportive collaboration between home and school. Join us on May 14 for Finishing Strong: Helping Students Stay Engaged. This session will focus on practical strategies to help […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass A comprehensive overview of special education laws and procedures. Covers the special education process, including referrals, evaluations, eligibility, services, placement, and parents’ rights in dispute resolution. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation.
May 14, 2026 PT: Entendendo Coleta de Dados EN: Understanding Data Collection Description (EN): Families will explore how schools collect and use data to measure progress, what data should look like, and how to ask questions to better understand whether services and supports are effective PT | Portguês Série de workshops e conversa sobre educação […]
When you're thinking about transition activities in high school, it's also the time to plan for that transition from pediatric to adult health care as well. Join us for practical tips to assist with this important stage in your family's journey. Register Today!
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass Overview of the transition planning process for students aged 14-22. We’ll discuss the legal right to transition services, why transition planning is important, what it looks like in the IEP, and the roles of students and parents. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent […]
Understanding the IEP (Vietnamese) - May 19 | 10 AM Hiểu về Kế hoạch Giáo dục Cá nhân (IEP) (tiếng Việt) - 19 tháng 5 | 10:00 The workshop will explain in detail, helping parents understand a more comprehensive IEP, including the New Form of IEP. Hội thảo sẽ giải thích chi tiết giúp phụ […]
Join us for this month’s webinar to learn more about supporting children and youth who either have autism or are awaiting a diagnosis. Discover what resources are available before an autism diagnosis, and what additional resources become available after an autism diagnosis. Presented by Sarah Jefferson, Individual Assistance Coordinator at FCSN. Learning objectives: Learn what […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass This workshop covers student and parent rights in school discipline. We’ll discuss types of suspension and protections for students with disabilities. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation.
Discusses how to prepare for emergencies involving individuals with disabilities or healthcare needs. We’ll cover essential strategies and resources to ensure safety and care during emergencies.
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass A comprehensive overview of special education laws and procedures. Covers the special education process, including referrals, evaluations, eligibility, services, placement, and parents’ rights in dispute resolution. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation.
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass Provides information about why the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is important, how it is developed, and the different sections of the document. Further discussion will focus on what types of services are included and measurable goals. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to […]
Become a Special Education Decision-Maker for a Child in State Custody Volunteers, known as Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), serve as appointed educational special decision-makers for students in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). SESP volunteers have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend special education team meetings, […]
FCSN’s “I've Been There” Series for 14-26 year olds Real 1-hour conversations about the transition to adult life Life after high school can be confusing — jobs, independence, education, friendships, support. I've Been There is a free virtual series where two young adults with disabilities share their real stories about making the transition to adult […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass A comprehensive overview of special education laws and procedures. Covers the special education process, including referrals, evaluations, eligibility, services, placement, and parents’ rights in dispute resolution. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation.
Discipline & Suspension (Portuguese) - May 26 | 6:30 PM Disciplina e suspensão (em português) – 26 de maio | 18h30 In this presentation, we will learn about Massachusetts’ disciplinary laws and regulations, including protections designed to prevent students from being removed unnecessarily. Nesta apresentação, aprenderemos sobre as leis e regulamentos disciplinares de Massachusetts, incluindo […]
Post-School Outcomes for Students with Disabilities This Spring, The Department and The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) are sponsoring three new virtual webinars on key themes in special education related to our annual State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR). On Wednesday, April 29th the subject will be Educational Environments in Massachusetts: […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass Overview of the transition planning process for students aged 14-22. We’ll discuss the legal right to transition services, why transition planning is important, what it looks like in the IEP, and the roles of students and parents. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass A comprehensive overview of special education laws and procedures. Covers the special education process, including referrals, evaluations, eligibility, services, placement, and parents’ rights in dispute resolution. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation.
Autism Housing Pathways/FCSN Join us for our monthly Family Action Meetups (FAMS), hosted by Autism Housing Pathways (AHP), now proudly part of The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN). For more details about AHP joining FCSN, see FCSN announcement. Each monthly meeting comprises: A 15 minute overview of housing for people with developmental disabilities […]
Become a Special Education Decision-Maker for a Child in State Custody Volunteers, known as Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), serve as appointed educational special decision-makers for students in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). SESP volunteers have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend special education team meetings, […]
Join us on the first Tuesday of each month from 6-7 to hear from experts on different parts of the transition process! Throughout this series we will discuss topics like employment, independent living, social opportunities, benefits, and more.
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass Provides information about why the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is important, how it is developed, and the different sections of the document. Further discussion will focus on what types of services are included and measurable goals. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to […]
Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass Overview of the transition planning process for students aged 14-22. We’ll discuss the legal right to transition services, why transition planning is important, what it looks like in the IEP, and the roles of students and parents. All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent […]
Connecting Families Series – June Conectando famílias Conectando famílias 连接家庭 Konekte Fanmi yo Kết nối gia đình 가족 연결This event will be hosted with access to interpretation and transcription in 50+ languages. Accessing Interpretation Presenter: Ann Phelan Ann Phelan, MA, CAGS, Manager of Resources and Engagement, has spent most […]
Become a Special Education Decision-Maker for a Child in State Custody Volunteers, known as Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), serve as appointed educational special decision-makers for students in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). SESP volunteers have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend special education team meetings, […]